HISTORY: Forty-nine-year old male w/ neck pain
TECHNIQUE: Sagittal T1, T2, as well as STIR sequences were obtained, as well as T1 and T2 weighted axial sequences. Sagittal T2 weighted sequences were obtained.
FINDINGS:
1. There is relative increased signal seen in the upper five cervical vertebral bodies including the odontoid with low signal seen in the vertebral body of C7-T1 and T2.
2. There are posterolateral hypertrophic changes seen at the level on the invertebral plate of C4-C5 w/ no significant encroachment seen upon the fecal sac at these levels.
3. There is, however, relative narrowing of the lower portion of the C3-4 intervertebral foramen on the right and at level C5-C6 also associated w/ hypertrophic changes seen on the uncovertebral joint as previously described. There is no significant narrowing seen at level C4-C5.
4. There was no evidence of any volume loss or any destruction seen the cervical vertebral bodies.
IMPRESSION: Degenerative changes seen @ levels C3-C4, C4-5 and C5-6 primarily on the right most pronounced @ C5-C6 w/ decreased disc/degenerative disc seen @ level C5-C6. Intervertebral foraminal narrowing seen @ C3-C4 & C5-C6 on the right due to the hypertrophic changes previously described. Normal appearance of the cervical spinal cord.
Also, can you recommend any free MRI imaging viewer software on the internet? Dicom seems to be what I have on my CD that was given in lieu of film.